RC&D completed 100 projects this year
RUSSELLVILLE — The Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) has completed more than 100 projects during 2025.
The council, which is one of nine RC&D organizations in Alabama, helps organizations in Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties access grant funding for conservation, education, economic development and community improvement.
Executive Director Lauranne James thanked those attending the council’s annual meeting at the A.W. Todd Centre for helping make decisions on projects that are worthwhile.
In Franklin Countt, James said RC&D grant money was spent on a therapy swing for Belgreen School and upgrades to a concession stand at East Franklin Junior High.
Other projects included security lighting and an electric gate at the Franklin County Jail, along with new pagers for volunteer fire departments in Tharptown and Blue Springs.
The council also helped fund pavilion upgrades and a historical marker in Hodges; a greenhouse for Vina High School; and a student agriculture program at Phil Campbell Elementary.
James praised the council’s board, community partners and state legislators for helping secure the funding needed for these projects.
She said RC&D continues to work closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and local Soil and Water Conservation districts to address conservation and resource needs throughout the region.
James also said the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program– Education, known as SNAP-Ed, ended statewide on Sept. 30. The program provided nutrition education and healthy living outreach to schools and communities across Alabama. Its conclusion eliminated several Alabama Extension positions, including Russellville-based educator Ginger Eatman.
Eatman, who served as a regional Extension agent for eight years, spoke during the meeting about the program’s impact and her future plans.
She thanked Northwest RC&D, NRCS and Alabama Extension for their partnership in supporting school gardens, greenhouse programs and nutrition education that reached more than 82,000 residents.
Eatman said her time with SNAP-Ed taught her the value of teamwork and community connection.
“Northwest RC&D has always been at the top of my partner list,” Eatman said. “None of this would have been possible without them.”
Statewide updates came from Katie Conner, executive director of the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils.
She reported that the nine regional councils completed 895 projects in fiscal year 2025, totaling more than $9 million in grants.
Conner said the next fiscal year is already shaping up to be larger with new partnerships forming and an emphasis on accessibility and workforce development.
Representatives from Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism — Community Engagement Coordinator Tina Lawler and graphic designer Randa Hovater — spoke about efforts to expand tourism and accessibility across the 16-county region the organization serves.
They highlighted new initiatives, including accessibility certification for attractions, virtual professional development courses, and quarterly trainings for members.
Drayton Cosby of the Cosby Company noted this year was historic for RC&D, which received its largest budget to date.
Sen. Larry Stutts said RC&D is an example of taxpayers money being used efficiently for local needs. He added he values the program’s accountability and transparency.
State Rep. Jamie Kiel said rural legislators must continue to advocate for RC&D. He has explained its value to budget leaders in Montgomery who might not see its local impact.
“Not all legislators are from the rural parts of the state,” Kiel said. “When I go to the budget chairman and explain RC&D and the importance and the impact it has on our area, we do have to sell it a little bit.”
Guest speaker Anthony Brooks closed the meeting with a message about teamwork and personal responsibility, encouraging collaboration across agencies and generations.
